Gefen GefenTV 4x1 HD Switcher

Jeff Burgess President and CEO JB&A, San Rafael, CA sales@jbanda.com 415.256.2800 Established 15 years ago, Jeff Burgess has watched his firm double in size over the last two years. Previously a consultant for a national architectural software developer where he helped

Established 15 years ago, Jeff Burgess has watched his firm double in size over the last two years. Previously a consultant for a national architectural software developer where he helped to build their sales channel, Burgess applies that experience to provide high-level sales and B-to-B development to his JB&A clients. He has been a Gefen dealer for 10 years.

How do you rate the 4x1? The 4x1 HD Switcher w/Audio Decoding is actually a next generation processor from Gefen that takes any digital audio input to create 5.1 audio and combines it with a 4x1 Switcher for HDMI. This way, it solves two common issues in a home entertainment situation, and deserves a solid A+. It also uses Dolby AC3 and Dolby Pro Logic II technologies so the audio that is output from the HDMI input is really solid. It can also take any digital audio input from a laptop or iPod and process it as 5.1 surround sound. This is a high quality performer.

For what types of installations is it best suited? This switcher is really ideal for dens, bedrooms, studios and dorm rooms--any room where you want to connect and access a few different video sources. In a dorm, you would have an Xbox, cable box, CD player, Blu-ray, iPod and laptop. Video is output as 1080p full HD, while the audio is extracted from any selected input, and delivered as 5.1 surround sound. You don’t need to run separate audio; everything is processed in one simple box.

What is one feature of the 4x1 that stands out in your company’s projects? The ability to process both audio and video makes this a stand out for home environments. It’s a unique Switcher that solves the problem of how do I connect various sources to a single display and generate high-quality audio without a major audio system.

What features would you like to see changed or added?I wouldn’t change a thing on this device. It’s rock solid.